PT Usha, the former Indian track and field athlete, will be named president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) after standing unopposed.

Usha, who won four gold medals and seven silver medals at the Asian Games over her career, becomes the first woman to hold the post.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

She announced her intention to stand for the post on Saturday (November 26) and was the only candidate when the deadline for nominations passed yesterday (November 27).

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The IOA elections will take place on December 10, with the presidential vote a formality.

As the 16th president of the IOA, Usha inherits an organization that has faced a series of difficulties.

She succeeds Narinder Batra, who resigned in July citing personal reasons but had already announced his intention to step down at the end of his term after being found guilty of illegal practices while president of the Hockey India governing body.

In August, the New Delhi High Court appointed a three-member Committee of Administrators to take over the day-to-day running of the IOA due to its “persistent recalcitrance” to comply with India’s National Sports Code.

Elections had been due to be held in December 2021 but were delayed due to issues related to the high court case.

The International Olympic Committee issued a final warning to the IOA in September for the delays to its elections.